Upcoming events.
BIG Nigerian Independence Day and BHM Launch
Ticket priority will be given to BIG Soiree ticket holders!
The reception marks the 65th Nigerian Independence Day, offering space to reflect on the impact and contribution of the Nigerian and wider African and Caribbean diaspora to the British public sector.
The evening will highlight stories of identity, career journeys, and community pride, while fostering greater awareness of the need for representation, outreach, and visibility of Black and mixed heritage public servants. Linked to BIG’s mission to bring people from the community together in unique experiences.
We will be using this reception to launch into this years Black History Month theme - Standing Firm in Power and Pride!
The event theme: Leadership, Legacy & the Future of Black Excellence in Public Service speaks to the shared experience of diaspora communities and the continued efforts to create more inclusive and connected public service environments.
Register for your place here
Power & Pride: A Legacy of Leadership and The Burden of visibility
As we mark Black History Month, this event explores what it means to lead while Black in the across sectors. Celebrating legacy while addressing and unpacking the weight of visibility.
We bring together a panel of current and former Black and mixed-heritage leaders from across government, the NHS, and local authorities to speak candidly about their journeys.
Together, they will reflect on:
Pride in heritage and the importance of representation
Navigating leadership in institutions still striving for equity and inclusion
The unspoken expectations from junior Black colleagues and those who see them as role models
The challenges of visibility in organisations where diversity is still evolving
How they have stood firm in their values amidst systemic barriers
This is an opportunity to hear first-hand stories of resilience, courage, and leadership. Whether you are starting out, aspiring to senior roles, or an ally wanting to understand the complexity of visible leadership, this event will provide:
✨ Honest insights
✨ Inspiration to shape your own career journey
✨ Space to reflect on the future of leadership in the public sector
Light refreshments will be provided
Register your attendance here
Resilience and Empowerment in Tech Leadership
Join us in a gathering where IT and Civil Service professionals from BAME backgrounds will explore the intersect of Black identity, professional excellence in IT and the journey of resilience and empowerment in tech leadership.
The panel will share details of their individual career journeys, unpack some myths about the tech/digital career sector within both public and private sectors as well as welcoming questions from the audience to ensure attendees receive real wisdom that they can apply wherever they are in their journeys.
Register for your place here
The BIG Soirée
Join us for an unforgettable evening of culture, cuisine, and celebration at our Black History Month Black in Government Soirée an immersive night to celebrate the theme “Standing firm in power and pride” as we reflect on the richness that is the global Black experience.
Brining together public and civil servants to celebrate the diaspora during black history month!
We’re bringing together the soul of the islands, the rhythm of the diaspora, and the warmth of community for a night filled with music, memories, and mouthwatering food.
Tickets on sale until September 30th or until all seats are sold! Get your ticket here
BIG Insight Tour
A unique experience to visit the Supreme Court as part of our private group. Tours are led by an experienced guide who will show you the beautiful courtrooms and provide insight into the workings of the Supreme Court. You will also visit the stunning Library which is usually closed to the public.
This opportunity might be of particular interest to students interested in a career in law, politics, Government, history, politics or recent graduates.
You do NOT need to be a current public servant to take up this opportunity!
Limited spaces are available, sign up here! or use this link https://bit.ly/3VpkuUX
Jamaican Independence Day Reception
Join Black in Government and the Black Employee Association of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for a special reception in honour of Jamaica’s Independence celebrating the past, present and future of Caribbean contributions to the UK public sector.
Expect vibrant conversation, Jamaican refreshments and a powerful celebration of diaspora impact in the civil service and wider public sector.
Whether you’re proudly Jamaican, part of the wider Caribbean diaspora, or an ally who values inclusive spaces and celebrating others, you’ll definitely leave this event feeling inspired, seen, and connected.
We are united by a shared mission:
💬 To celebrate and engage diaspora communities
📈 To support underrepresented talent
🤝 To build inclusive, long-term partnerships that drive real impact
Together, we aim to spotlight the value of lived experience, cultural heritage, and community in shaping the future civil service.
Let’s honour the legacy. Celebrate the culture. Build the future.
We can’t wait to see you there 💚💛🖤
BIG Speed Mentoring
Register Here
We’re hosting an in person speed mentoring session to support you in developing your career. With positive representation we’ll support you with top tips to refine your soft skills as part of your professional development!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to get professional insight from experienced G7+ colleagues and take your career to the next level.
This event is tailored towards junior colleagues and you may find it valuable if you consider yourself to be in one of the below categories:
Grade AO-HEO Civil Servant or equivalent
Intern, work experience, student or looking to move into the public sector
Responsibilities include day to day delivery or management of operational activity, policy, research, administration, managing engagement programmes, project delivery.
Career changing/experienced civil servant wanting to progress to the next grade
1-5 years work experience
In small groups you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced Civil Servants, ask questions and network!
Sessions will cover:
○ Thinking about your career plan
○ Engaging the right people in your career journey
○ Managing up and communicating with your teams
○ Supporting colleagues and giving feedback
○ Working with different personalities
○ Building confidence at events and getting the most out of networking
○ Handling imposter syndrome
○ Developing your skillset and area knowledge (seeing the big picture)
BIG x WiPA Breakfast Briefing Collaboration
Join us on for a morning of networking and collaboration with the Women in Public Affairs Network.
This collaborative event is kindly sponsored by Hanover Communications
This in-person event will bring together industry professionals to discuss and highlight the importance of legislation in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion work across all sectors.
Understanding how these protect people and how we can continue to push EDI activity forward in innovative ways across all sectors, noting the importance of sector collaboration and community consultation as part of the legislative process. With a particular focus on policy, public affairs, communications and HR framed within the context of the current day.
Guest speakers to be announced
This event is open to all genders and ethnicities
Light refreshments will be available for attendee's
Code Switching: Navigating Belonging and Office Etiquette
Join us for an engaging discussion on the impact of code switching on our abilities to network and build relationships in the workplace. Gain insight on techniques to navigate office etiquette and creating a sense of belonging for yourself.
We'll share practical tips and real-life examples to help you succeed in any professional setting.
Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your communication skills and professional relationships. Register now and take your career to the next level!
Register for your tickets on Eventbrite
BIG Supper Club
🍽️ Black in Government Supper Club: A Night to Connect, Dine & Unwind 🌟
Are you a civil servant looking to expand your network?
Craving real-life connections beyond LinkedIn and Teams calls?
Want to enjoy meaningful conversations over an intimate, fine dining experience?
Then this is your kind of evening.
✨ Join us for the very first Black in Government Supper Club — where community, culture, and cuisine come together
Location and Time:
📍 Bellanger, 9 Islington Green, Angel, London, N1 2XH
🗓️ Thursday 12th June
🕡 6:30 PM
Register to attend and pay your deposit here
The BIG Launch
We're finally having an in person launch as we share our origin story, future plans and discuss how you can get involved in the BIG things we have to come.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with likeminded individuals across the public sector and beyond.
Mark your calendars and get ready to be a part of something BIG!
Please ensure you bring ID!
Agenda
Guest Arrival & Networking
Welcome & light refreshments
Opening Remarks and Brief introduction to UK Black in Gov (BIG)
BIG’s Vision & Impact
BIG’s mission, achievements so far, upcoming initiatives, and impact goalsHow individuals and organisations can get involved
Closing Remarks & Networking
Code Switching: Creating Your Personal Brand
Join us for Code Switching: Creating your personal brand!
Date: Tues May 06 2025
Time: 18:30 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)
Are you looking to enhance your personal brand in a hybrid world? Join our online event where we will unpack the misconceptions of code switching and how you can use it to help you create a unique and authentic personal brand both at work and beyond.
Learn valuable tips and tricks for creating a personal brand that speaks for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to recreate your personal brand and take your career to the next level.
As a bonus for joining the session we'll be sharing some free resources to help support you in building your personal brand!